Maldives Honeymoon Guide

The Maldives offer idyllic surroundings for newlyweds who want to savour intimate moments together in a unique and serene environment – just one reason why the Maldives is rated as one of the world's best honeymoon destinations.

Discover a choice of tranquil and pampered settings on any of the more than 80 exclusive resort islands that stretch like a string of pearls across 70,000 square metres of ocean along the equator.

What to do and see in the Maldives

The Maldives offers a range of active pursuits and attractions – the widely spaced islands are widely regarded as having some of the best snorkelling and diving grounds in the world. It is also the ideal place for surfing, windsurfing, fishing and kayaking.

See colourful reef fish, including the remarkable powder-blue surgeonfish, from a private sundeck or through the glass floor of an over-water villa.

Dive pristine offshore reefs that are famous for their wealth of marine life, or go swimming, snorkelling, kayaking (photo – Veligandu Island) and windsurfing in sheltered lagoons.

Cruise to an uninhabited desert island for a seafood and champagne luncheon, enjoy water skiing thrills or go game fishing for tuna.

At sunset, sail on a traditional dhoni fishing boat while dolphins play alongside or settle into moments of pure romance while sipping champagne in the privacy of your stylish villa.

Relax in exotic seclusion overlooking stunning sugar-white beaches and pristine coral reefs. Wake up to the sound of rippling waves, spend a lazy morning on your private sundeck over the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean or take a plunge in your private infinity-edge pool.

Veligandu Island

Accessible by a short 15-minute plane ride from Malé, Veligandu Island on North Ari Atoll offers an 80m-long pristine white-sand beach that hints of gold before shelving into the clear, warm waters of the lagoon.

Veligandu island offers some of the best diving facilities in the Maldives as well as all the amenities you’d expect from the luxury Veligandu Island Resort, which features both over-water and beachside bungalows.

Mushimasmingali Thila

Explore one of the world's most famous dive sites, located off Ari Atoll. Plunge down cliffs past ledges, overhangs and caves to the atoll plate at 42m.

The reef is about 100m long, 60m wide and the reef top just 10m from the surface. Discover anemones, sea fans, black corals, grey reef shark, blue-lined snappers, napoleon wrasse and schools of fusiliers and yellow grunts.

Malé

Stroll the narrow lanes of the old quarter or along the sea wall, or head into the shady tree-lined streets of the residential area.

The small but busy capital of Maldives, Malé has a laid-back charm with great shopping in the busy markets.

And don't miss the National Museum, where you can admire the former possessions of the sultan, including rich brocades and weapons, as well as pre-Islamic stone carvings collected from sites all over the country.

Where to stay…

The Maldives offers a choice of stylish and luxurious beach villas and over-water suites often situated on idyllic private islands that fringe tranquil lagoons, such as idyllic Coca Island Resort (photo) on Cocoa Island, South Malé Atoll – just perfect for honeymoon couples.

Resorts in the Maldives are spread across slightly more than 200 inhabited islands, with North Ari Atoll, South Ari Atoll, North Malé Atoll and South Malé Atoll being the most popular, probably as they offer quicker access from the capital Malé, including the following…

W MaldivesLocation: Fesdu Island, North Ari AtollRating: 5-star Ave nightly price: AUD3,154 per villa Description: Enjoy the inviting blue waters, beautiful reefs and white sands of the Maldives while staying at the W Maldives. Offering a tranquil escape, the hotel features a diving centre, fitness centre and outdoor infinity pool. Chinese breakfast option is available. Spacious villas offer direct beach, reef or ocean access and come with a private plunge pool. Cocktails and assorted beverages are featured at SIP. Situated on a private island within the North Ari Atoll, it is a 1.5 hour speed boat ride or a 25-minute sea plane transfer from Male International Airport. A private W Lounge is available at Malé's Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.

One&Only Reethi Rah Maldives Location: Reethi Rah, North Malé AtollRating: 5-star Ave nightly price: AUD2,568 per villa Description: This luxurious tropical getaway overlooks the Indian Ocean and offers an infinity pool, free Wi-Fi and a peaceful private beach. The elegant villas at One & Only Reethi Rah are situated either over the lagoon or by the beach and enjoy beautiful ocean views. Flat-screen cable/satellite TVs, iPod docks and DVD players can be enjoyed in all rooms. Guests may enjoy massage treatments at One&Only Spa or rejuvenate with a game of tennis at the outdoor courts. Reethi offers Mediterranean cuisine. Other dining options include Rah Bar and 24-hour in-villa dining. One & Only Reethi Rah is a 1-hour, 15-minute luxury yacht ride or a 45-minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport.

Taj Exotica Resort & SpaLocation: Emboodhu Finolhu, South Malé AtollRating: 5-star Ave nightly price: AUD1,638 per villa Description: 5-star exclusivity awaits at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, with luxurious villas and a large infinity pool with clear lagoon views. It features 2 restaurants, a bar and a fitness centre. Free WiFi access is available in all rooms. Staff are able to converse in Chinese. Featuring private sundecks and balconies, large villas are decorated with fine wood furnishings and warm colours. First-rate amenities include a Nespresso coffee machine and iPod dock. Premium toiletries and rain showers are provided. Extras in the room include a dental kit and slippers. All-day dining with a wide spread of international dishes is provided at 24 Degrees Restaurant. The Deep End offers fine dining in an elegant environment. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is 8 km from Malé International Airport, which takes 15 minutes by a private speedboat available 24 hours a day.

Getting there

The Maldives (pronounced MAHL-deeves) is an archipelago of 26 coral atolls, which are fragmented into about 1190 low-lying coral islands that lie scattered in the Indian Ocean around 600km southwest of the southern tip of India and Sri Lanka.

Qantas and Singapore Airlines offer convenient flights via Singapore, with connections from all major Australian airports; as well as direct flights from London with connecting flights from major airports in the USA. Maldivian Air Taxi's Twin Otter's routinely serve the outer islands from Malé.